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The soft-shelled turtle, also known as the *Pelodiscus sinensis*, is a unique reptile commonly referred to as the "king of eight." It typically measures between 18 and 24 cm in length. Its head is grayish-brown with a long snout, and its shell is flat and oval-shaped, usually olive-green in color. The underside of the turtle is covered with soft skin, and the fleshy edges of the carapace are called the "skirt." When the skirt moves back and forth, the turtle can quickly bury itself in the sand for protection. It has strong limbs and swims swiftly. Soft-shelled turtles are oviparous, laying eggs from May to August each year. They usually come ashore at night, using their hind legs to dig holes in sandy areas, where they lay 9 to 15 eggs at a time. After laying, they cover the eggs with mud. The incubation period lasts about two months.
These turtles mainly inhabit the bottom of rivers and lakes and often bask in the sun. Their diet includes various benthic organisms such as snails, clams, fish, and shrimp. From November to March of the following year, they hibernate in the silt at the bottom of the river. Soft-shelled turtles are considered a rare and popular aquatic food due to their delicious meat, and their shells are also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Soft-shelled turtles are very timid and prefer quiet, secluded environments. Even the slightest noise or movement can startle them, causing them to dive into the water immediately. A shadow passing overhead, such as from a bird flying by, can disturb them and affect their feeding habits. However, they are not afraid of light and will not flee when exposed to a flashlight at night.
They are highly sensitive to water pollution. They require clean, clear water with a transparency of around 30 cm, high levels of dissolved oxygen, no odor, and a certain amount of plankton. The ideal water color is brownish-green. Soft-shelled turtles are also sensitive to temperature changes. They dislike cold, heat, and wind, and prefer sunny, well-ventilated habitats. They especially enjoy basking in the sun, which is a unique trait among many amphibians and reptiles that typically prefer dark, cool places. In natural environments with abundant aquatic plants like water hyacinths, soft-shelled turtles are less likely to be affected by diseases, and they may even migrate if conditions become unfavorable.
As ectothermic animals, their growth is directly influenced by ambient temperature. When the water temperature drops below 20°C, they stop feeding and eventually enter hibernation. Above 35°C, their activity and feeding decrease, and at temperatures above 38°C, they seek shade or deeper water to avoid overheating. The optimal growth temperature range is 28°C to 32°C, with the best water temperature being 30°C. They can survive in temperatures ranging from 10°C to 40°C. Studies show that at 30°C, their weight gain is fastest and feed conversion is most efficient.
Soft-shelled turtles are also sensitive to salinity. As freshwater animals, they are particularly vulnerable to salt. If the salinity of the water exceeds 5 parts per thousand (ppt), their growth is negatively affected. In aquaculture, the salinity of the water is generally kept below 1 ppt.
In addition, soft-shelled turtles are omnivorous and have a broad diet. They eat both plant and animal matter, are very greedy, and can survive for up to six months without food. This makes them highly resilient and adaptable in different environments.